Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

smoking monkey

macrumors 68020
Mar 5, 2008
2,362
1,508
I HUNGER
Well done to the OP, but this seems like it would get old real fast. Not only do you lose half the features of the watch, it's also a pain to use as you'll need to constantly unlock it unless you want to take the risk of losing it.

Is there a problem with wearing a watch over carrying this in a pocket? It's what I love about the Apple Watch. I can pay for things or check a text etc. without the need to get something out of my pocket.

But each to their own!
 

goldmac2006

macrumors 6502a
Jul 21, 2019
803
773
Thanks! You definitely get it regarding the benefits of using a Watch in this way.

I am definately in that group wanting the smallest device possible! RIP OG iPhone SE. 13 mini when I'm choosing to carry :p

Battery life is pretty good with all sensors off. But if I want to squeeze as much battery life as possible, I make sure the case and watch are fully charged, bring a fully charged Airpods case, put the Watch on low power mode, and use one Airpod at a time.

I've been using this SE as a Pocket Watch since early June. This is somewhat of a 2.0.

1.0 was just the bare watch as shown in the above photo.

1.5 I found this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0BXNYQM79
And this worked great to give me even more battery life when I needed it, and effectively not need the proprietary cable. But because this charger didnt retain the Watch, this had me considering some sort of enclosure with integrated charging for 2.0.

Around this time I became aware of the TinyPod, and started exploring options for mocking up something similar from various non-MFi miniaturized charging options found at various online sites, since, well vaporware, high cost, missing features (battery), etc etc

I eventually found the iWatch powerbank I call 2.0, as pictured.

The setup is pretty much perfect, but i still have ideas for the roadmap!

I have considered 3D modeling a replacement 'skin' (the rubbery part completely removes from the main hard plastic casing) and printing a vertical version in TPU. This would really make this feel like an iPhone Nano.

I suppose that would be 3.0.

I so rarely use the crown (and after using mine for a several weeks) I no longer see appreciable value in the TinyPod clicky wheel. It's a neat idea and cool throwback, but I would not trade a battery and USB-C charging for the wheel. I feel like both TinyPod models would be a downgrade for me at this point.

My thought for 4.0 is integrated magsafe charging! I would love to be able to plunk the thing onto a magnetic charger, since I use Magsafe all over for my phones. This might necessitate the need for a slightly wider body/bulge on the case.

More to come!
My first iPhone was an iPhone 5s space grey, and I loved how compact it was until I had to retire it in 2019 following the drop of iOS compatibility with iOS 12 being the last. Upgraded to iPhone 7 product red to enjoy a little compact screen but in a slimmer design until it lost compatibility with iOS 16, and iPhones are yet getting bigger and bigger… Still, the original iPhone 5s still stood strong and is a world record holder of most iOS versions supported from release to final version of iOS in iPhones, iOS 7 to iOS 12. Almost seven years worth of updates is amazing; I’m still on my iPhone XR as the current iPhone I am using in iOS 18 developer beta 8, and it can surpass this record with its higher end counterparts with the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, which paved the way for both mainline and the then-Pro model lines of the iPhone, part of the modern iPhone lineup.

Albeit the iPhone 13 mini is the latest smallest iPhone asides iPhone SE 2/3, it maintains the same design style of the regular iPhone 13/14 with same screen space as its slightly larger iPhone SE model but with thin bezels it maximizes screen space in a smaller package. An iPhone 15 would have the same screen dimensions as an 11 or XR would but it is also slender as the bezels are thinner and less obvious, and a Dynamic Island.

The power bank idea is great as it allows you to still wear your Apple Watch with band channels exposed, and if you are traveling or camping you won’t have an outlet nearby. Especially if you cannot fit the Apple Watch Ultra with 3-days’ worth of battery life, or cannot afford the bulky brick of it, your Apple Watch will last longer without needing to take it off in middle of the day.
 
  • Like
Reactions: erihp

erihp

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Apr 21, 2020
757
612
Still, the original iPhone 5s still stood strong and is a world record holder of most iOS versions supported from release to final version of iOS in iPhones, iOS 7 to iOS 12.

The 1st Gen SE has entered the chat and would like to have a word :)

IMG_1731.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: goldmac2006

erihp

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Apr 21, 2020
757
612
Well done to the OP, but this seems like it would get old real fast. Not only do you lose half the features of the watch, it's also a pain to use as you'll need to constantly unlock it unless you want to take the risk of losing it.

Is there a problem with wearing a watch over carrying this in a pocket? It's what I love about the Apple Watch. I can pay for things or check a text etc. without the need to get something out of my pocket.

But each to their own!

The PIN is a thing, but it's really not too bad.

Theres no 'problem' wearing tech, i just prefer not to.

I also dont like wearing or interacting with people while they are wearing sunglasses. Do I think sunglasses serve a purpose and I understand why people wear them? Sure. But I choose not to.

Same for wearable tech. I'd rather be more subtle about my nerdyness :p

In fact the minimalist nature of the features set compared to the full iPhone experience can actually help with being more aware of real life, and help resist trying to fill any free moment by consuming/paying attention to something on your phone. All without giving up all the same connectivity.

I can see where strapping the Watch on would make more sense in some specific scenarios, running for example. This case makes it really easy to swap a band on, or fully remove it from the 'case' and put normal bands on. Nothin to it. So nothing is really lost or permanently changed. Going for a run? Strap up.

When im out and about with this thing I usually cant help but loosely put the ring on and swing/spin the Watch, or close my hand with the ring still on. Its so small!
 
Last edited:

goldmac2006

macrumors 6502a
Jul 21, 2019
803
773
The 1st Gen SE has entered the chat and would like to have a word :)

View attachment 2411390
Bro both these iPhones are similar to each other, the OG iPhone SE has the guts of an iPhone 6s in it. They share the same 7 years of major iOS updates with each other, both are released 3-4 years apart. I had the 5s for a very long time before my 7; since 2016 til 2019. I knew I would keep it for a long time so I got lots of bargains on H&M cases for the iPhone 5s and collected them until I gave it away. Many of the cases were still in new (never used or lightly used) condition but were too pretty and glittery so I donated them to an old colleague of mine who had a rose gold OG iPhone SE.

The iPhone 7 I still have it, running the same version of iOS 15 in the latest security update listed above as it still had everything from my 5s until I upgraded to iPhone XR. Still I don’t mind slightly larger screens but my Apple Watch would never be the same if I tried out Tinypod or the power bank case; especially with a stainless steel Apple Watch a case would defeat the purpose of its existence of its shiny finish. My Peaks and Vitals apps on my Apple Watch especially Fitness+ would be rendered useless if I had to do this method; you need to wear it. The latter two apps require you to sleep track with your Apple Watch.
 

erihp

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Apr 21, 2020
757
612
Bro both these iPhones are similar to each other, the OG iPhone SE has the guts of an iPhone 6s in it. They share the same 7 years of major iOS updates with each other, both are released 3-4 years apart. I had the 5s for a very long time before my 7; since 2016 til 2019. I knew I would keep it for a long time so I got lots of bargains on H&M cases for the iPhone 5s and collected them until I gave it away. Many of the cases were still in new (never used or lightly used) condition but were too pretty and glittery so I donated them to an old colleague of mine who had a rose gold OG iPhone SE.

The iPhone 7 I still have it, running the same version of iOS 15 in the latest security update listed above as it still had everything from my 5s until I upgraded to iPhone XR. Still I don’t mind slightly larger screens but my Apple Watch would never be the same if I tried out Tinypod or the power bank case; especially with a stainless steel Apple Watch a case would defeat the purpose of its existence of its shiny finish. My Peaks and Vitals apps on my Apple Watch especially Fitness+ would be rendered useless if I had to do this method; you need to wear it. The latter two apps require you to sleep track with your Apple Watch.

Yep very similar indeed.

I just noticed it has surpassed the 'world record' holder iPhone 5s with regard to supported iOS versions. Perhaps the same number of years, but technically one more 'version' bump than 5s got.

iOS
9>10>11>12>13>14>15

Apple, give us a SE4 Mini!!!
 

goldmac2006

macrumors 6502a
Jul 21, 2019
803
773
Yep very similar indeed.

I just noticed it has surpassed the 'world record' holder iPhone 5s with regard to supported iOS versions. Perhaps the same number of years, but technically one more 'version' bump than 5s got.

iOS
9>10>11>12>13>14>15

Apple, give us a SE4 Mini!!!
Indeed! In terms of budget iPhones go based on the chip. I saw the original Apple Watch SE got knocked out of watchOS 11, only short of 4 watchOS versions while the Apple Watch Series 6 of the same year continues a little longer. The SE isn’t all that in my opinion; especially since Apple cut it down in terms of compatibility early on as the 1st gen Apple Watch SE had the internals of an aluminum Apple Watch Series 5 minus ECG and always on display.

I strongly recommend y’all getting or upgrading your Apple Watch to find a great bargain in the mainline Apple Watch series’s. Older series like S6/7/8 are also good options if you still want blood oxygen. The S6 is brand new and unbelievably cheap as an Apple Watch SE with most modern Apple Watch features, still get blood oxygen /watchOS 11, and it is also a doorbuster when you get the $700 stainless steel models in a sale price like that.
 

erihp

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Apr 21, 2020
757
612
Indeed! In terms of budget iPhones go based on the chip. I saw the original Apple Watch SE got knocked out of watchOS 11, only short of 4 watchOS versions while the Apple Watch Series 6 of the same year continues a little longer. The SE isn’t all that in my opinion; especially since Apple cut it down in terms of compatibility early on as the 1st gen Apple Watch SE had the internals of an aluminum Apple Watch Series 5 minus ECG and always on display.

I strongly recommend y’all getting or upgrading your Apple Watch to find a great bargain in the mainline Apple Watch series’s. Older series like S6/7/8 are also good options if you still want blood oxygen. The S6 is brand new and unbelievably cheap as an Apple Watch SE with most modern Apple Watch features, still get blood oxygen /watchOS 11, and it is also a doorbuster when you get the $700 stainless steel models in a sale price like that.

$700 yikes :)

My Watch SE2 was released only two years ago! I expect it to be supported for a while.

And is very similar to the 8. Since I dont use any of the sensor based features the SE2 is perfect for me!
 

goldmac2006

macrumors 6502a
Jul 21, 2019
803
773
$700 yikes :)

My Watch SE2 was released only two years ago! I expect it to be supported for a while.

And is very similar to the 8. Since I dont use any of the sensor based features the SE2 is perfect for me!
That is why since the gold stainless steel Apple Watch came out as a new color alongside stainless steel and space black stainless (which became its lighter form of graphite in the Apple Watch Series 6 and later Apple Watch models) in the S4, I knew that I would need to replace my Apple Watch Series 1 with a gold stainless Apple Watch when it is time. I did longed for many years for the price to drop and finally got an Apple Watch Series 6 gold stainless steel for $245 which is the same price of the Apple Watch SE. that time my Apple Watch Series 1 had so much wear and tear, dent on the space gray aluminum, scratches and now screen separated.

Indeed the 2nd generation Apple Watch SE may still not seem all that but it does have the chip of the Apple Watch Series 8. For that accessory whereas the Apple Watch has its sensors exposed and in a power bank case, the SE is still great for that if you are going for the option to use it without any bands. As long it is a cellular model.
 

AlanMarron

macrumors regular
Jan 31, 2023
150
261
Is it? Maybe health and fitness tracking the 'main point' of an Apple Watch for you? I wouldnt use such features even if I wore it.

I wont take your bet, but I would be willing to wager there are (arguably) better options for people who use health and fitness tracking as the 'main point' of their device choice.

I'd think most people would say the primary function of any watch is to tell the time, and for smart watches to receive and address notifications without using their phone.

But hey, thanks for your.... opinionated, not so constructive criticism?
I have an idea! Let's take a poop on everyone who does not use their device like you use your device!!

I'm almost 68yo and live in central Mexico. Don't have a gate key, no ApplePay, and no HomeKit, but value the health and fitness tracking.

"I'd think most people ..." I've never been "most people" so thanks for your opinionated not so constructive criticism.
 

erihp

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Apr 21, 2020
757
612
I have an idea! Let's take a poop on everyone who does not use their device like you use your device!!

I'm almost 68yo and live in central Mexico. Don't have a gate key, no ApplePay, and no HomeKit, but value the health and fitness tracking.

"I'd think most people ..." I've never been "most people" so thanks for your opinionated not so constructive criticism.
Hey cool thanks for visiting my thread on a very specific use case, one that you may not share.

Obviously health sensors arent going to work with this setup. That was the only comment provided, crapping on the lack of health data.

My post didnt poop on anyone, I had a clear and direct response and was not rude. Different from the comment I was responding to.

Said comment was not helpful, or insightful, constructive at all. Pointless comment really, especially when there is much more substance than the obvious lacking feature.

Its ok this setup doesnt work for you. It doesnt have to! I hope you cherish your Health tracking data as much as I do my listed functionality.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AlanMarron

AlanMarron

macrumors regular
Jan 31, 2023
150
261
Hey cool thanks for visiting my thread on a very specific use case, one that you may not share.

Obviously health sensors arent going to work with this setup. That was the only comment provided, crapping on the lack of health data.

My post didnt poop on anyone, I had a clear and direct response and was not rude. Different from the comment I was responding to.

Said comment was not helpful, or insightful, constructive at all. Pointless comment really, especially when there is much more substance than the obvious lacking feature.

Its ok this setup doesnt work for you. It doesnt have to! I hope you cherish your Health tracking data as much as I do my listed functionality.
Sorry that I wasn’t supportive.

I should have recognized that you have a very specific use in mind that excludes other uses.

We live in a strange time in the history of technology where a gadget that is sold worldwide has functions that are commonly used in one place, yet several hundred miles away have no utility at all. A car, an air conditioner, and a refrigerator have the same uses everywhere. Not so much with an i-device.
 
  • Like
Reactions: erihp

erihp

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Apr 21, 2020
757
612
Update!

V2.5 - New Jakcom R5 RFID ring! This one will support storing multiple tags, as well as NFC! Real pictures soon.

 
Last edited:

erihp

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Apr 21, 2020
757
612
Ah, hey!

Thanks for letting me know about my bad link! But that product is not it, close!

I didnt want to sacrifice my existing 125khz HID tag (nor add a second tag), but this new generation ring is incredible! It is pretty huge, but since I dont actually wear the ring as a ring, its fine :)

It has:
2 IC tag (Mifare M1 13.56Mhz)
2 EM/HID T5577 tag (125Khz) and
2 NFC ntag216
embedded into the ring!

note: ignore the detail about 128gb storage, the ring has no storage, it is some cloud offer.

 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: goldmac2006

goldmac2006

macrumors 6502a
Jul 21, 2019
803
773
Ah, hey!

Thanks for letting me know about my bad link!
But that product is not it!

I didnt want to sacrifice my existing 125khz HID tag (nor add a second tag), but this new generation ring is incredible!

🔥 that also lets you put Siri Shortcuts on the nfc chip! How’d you feel about the Apple Watch series 10? I also seen the power bank case has a size for Apple Watch Ultra 1 and 2.

It is ceramic instead of titanium to match the iPhone 15/16 Pro… now it will match the only ceramic Apple Watch Series 5!
 

erihp

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Apr 21, 2020
757
612
🔥 that also lets you put Siri Shortcuts on the nfc chip! How’d you feel about the Apple Watch series 10? I also seen the power bank case has a size for Apple Watch Ultra 1 and 2.

It is ceramic instead of titanium to match the iPhone 15/16 Pro… now it will match the only ceramic Apple Watch Series 5!
Yes exactly! Or a number of other fun things :)

Havent seen too much about the AWS10. Too rich for my blood :)

Ive got an ear to the ground for a new SE though! Completely different - different material (and probably nowhere near as fancy feeling), but ceramic is exciting too!

PM'd related to Ti vs Ceramic!
 
  • Like
Reactions: goldmac2006

goldmac2006

macrumors 6502a
Jul 21, 2019
803
773
Yes exactly! Or a number of other fun things :)

Havent seen too much about the AWS10. Too rich for my blood :)

Ive got an ear to the ground for a new SE though! Completely different - different material (and probably nowhere near as fancy feeling), but ceramic is exciting too!

PM'd related to Ti vs Ceramic!
👌🏻 got it. Had you got a chance to look at the Apple Watch series 10, man? At least the ‘new 42mm’ did not catch up to look like a brick. 🧱
 

VictoryHighway

macrumors regular
Jun 22, 2008
168
158
Hopedale, MA
Can you still use the watch for fitness tracking in this setup? Asking because I like to wear other watches besides just the Apple Watch but still want to do the fitness tracking. Currently, I have to wear two watches if I want to do this which feels dorky.
 

erihp

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Apr 21, 2020
757
612
Can you still use the watch for fitness tracking in this setup? Asking because I like to wear other watches besides just the Apple Watch but still want to do the fitness tracking. Currently, I have to wear two watches if I want to do this which feels dorky.

Good question, I dont know!

Maybe it could still count steps?

I have all of that disabled.
 
  • Like
Reactions: goldmac2006

goldmac2006

macrumors 6502a
Jul 21, 2019
803
773
This has me thinking about how I might be able to trick the sensor! :)
If Wrist Detection is on, it only needs to sense coverage of the bottom heart rate sensor. When I unlock my AW again to switch faces after taking it off and changing the band over a soft surface, the watch stays unlocked unless if I move my fingers out of the bottom or pick it up.
 

erihp

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Apr 21, 2020
757
612
If Wrist Detection is on, it only needs to sense coverage of the bottom heart rate sensor. When I unlock my AW again to switch faces after taking it off and changing the band over a soft surface, the watch stays unlocked unless if I move my fingers out of the bottom or pick it up.
I noticed that as well, in v1.0 (No powerbank case, just bare watch) i could run my finger over the bottom to wake or keep it on

I do wonder if it 'senses' just capacitance of skin to determine if its being worn, or if the sensor is detecting pulse before it decides it is being worn!

hmmmm
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.